Kitchen countertop receptacles
- Two dedicated 20-amp circuits are required for kitchen countertop receptacles, splitting the load so a single overloaded circuit doesn't take out your entire counter
- Spacing: receptacles no more than 4 feet apart along the counter, so no point on the counter is more than 2 feet from an outlet
- Within 2 feet of the counter edge and basin — outlets need to be reasonably close to where appliances will actually sit and where sinks are located
⚠️ Split receptacles: don't forget the tab
Split receptacles are less common in newer homes but still show up, using the same spacing rules as standard countertop outlets. The most common DIY mistake here is forgetting to break the connecting tab between the two gold (hot side) screws — leaving it intact ties two separate live wires together and causes hard, repeated breaker trips the moment you plug something in.
Dedicated appliance circuits
- Refrigerators are always wired on their own separate circuit, so if another plugged-in device trips a breaker, the fridge doesn't go down with it
- Microwaves also get a dedicated circuit due to their high amp draw, especially built-in or over-range units
Recommended: weather-resistant, tamper-resistant GFCI receptacle
The standard for any kitchen or bathroom outlet near water — combines shock protection with child-safety shutters.
The 5-foot GFCI rule
Any receptacle within 5 feet of a sink — kitchen or bathroom — must be GFCI-protected. This isn't limited to countertop outlets; it applies to any plug within that radius, including ones on an adjacent wall.
Bathroom-specific rules
- GFCI outlet required in every bathroom, without exception
- Switch placement: switching cannot be located anywhere a person could reach it while standing inside a tub or shower — a commonly cited reach distance is around 39 inches from the tub/shower area
Overall philosophy
Every rule on this page exists for the same reason: kitchens and bathrooms combine water, high-draw appliances, and constant daily use — the exact conditions where electrical mistakes turn dangerous fastest. If there's any doubt about whether your setup meets these rules, call a pro before you plug anything in.